airline industry

The Federal Aviation Administration is set to delay certification of Boeing's 737 MAX 10 after a newly discovered software glitch, the Wall Street Journal reports. The setback pushes back approval of the largest variant of the MAX family, adding to Boeing's long-running certification troubles and raising fresh questions about the plane's entry into airline service.

A strike in France disrupted air travel on Tuesday, with flights affected across the country. Le Monde reports that the industrial action caused cancellations and delays for passengers. Travellers are advised to check with airlines for updates as the labour dispute continues.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, joined by airline industry leaders, is calling on the US Congress to quickly approve $30 billion in funding for aviation reforms. The money would go toward modernising air traffic control systems and other infrastructure upgrades. Airlines are backing the push, warning that delays risk worsening congestion and reliability problems across the US air travel system.

Airlines are signaling that airfares could remain elevated even if jet fuel costs decline. Industry arguments center on factors beyond fuel, such as strong travel demand, limited aircraft supply, and labor and operating costs that keep pressure on pricing. The report suggests travelers should not expect ticket prices to fall in line with any future drop in oil prices.

Airlines may keep charging high fares even if jet fuel prices decline, according to industry reporting. The suggestion is that carriers are unlikely to pass savings on to travelers quickly, meaning elevated ticket prices could persist. Travelers watching fares are paying close attention to whether relief at the pump will translate into cheaper flights, with many skeptical that it will happen soon.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, together with major US airlines, is pressing Congress to quickly approve roughly $30 billion in funding for aviation reforms. The money would support modernisation of the country's air traffic control system and other industry improvements. The push comes amid ongoing concerns about aging infrastructure, flight delays and safety gaps in the US aviation system.

The Department of Transportation, joined by aviation industry groups, is asking Congress for $30 billion to modernize the US air traffic control system and national airspace. The request covers upgrades to aging infrastructure, including radar, communications and technology systems. It comes amid heightened attention to airline safety following recent incidents and delays tied to outdated equipment, with lawmakers now weighing how to fund the overhaul.

Lufthansa, SWISS, Wizz Air and Singapore Airlines are all planning to resume or expand service to Dubai ahead of 2027, according to a report shared by Gulf News. The moves would restore competition on key routes to the Gulf hub, and travellers are watching how the carriers will position themselves against Dubai-based Emirates in these markets.

Swiss International Air Lines will fit its entire fleet with SpaceX's Starlink high-speed internet by 2029, according to Swissinfo. The deal means passengers on SWISS flights should get fast, gate-to-gate broadband in the coming years. It follows a broader aviation trend of airlines partnering with satellite providers to upgrade onboard connectivity, and travelers are weighing what free or faster Wi-Fi could mean for the in-flight experience.

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have increased their checked baggage fees, joining several other US carriers. The airlines cite rising fuel costs, which have climbed amid the conflict involving Iran, as pressure on operating expenses. Travellers now face higher costs for checked luggage on domestic flights, and industry watchers expect other carriers to follow with similar fee increases in the coming weeks.

American Airlines and Taiwan-based carrier Starlux Airlines have entered into a codeshare agreement, linking the US carrier's network with the fast-growing Taiwanese airline. The partnership will allow travelers to book connecting itineraries across both airlines on a single ticket. Details on routes and start dates have not yet been announced, but the deal signals growing demand for travel between North America and Taiwan.

American Airlines and Taiwan's Starlux Airlines have formally launched a new partnership, opening up easier connections between the United States and destinations across Asia. Travelers can expect coordinated itineraries and smoother transfers between the two carriers' networks, giving American passengers access to Starlux's routes and vice versa.

Singapore Airlines is reportedly reducing the size of its premium economy cabin, the class often described as making business class an irrational purchase for travellers. The move suggests the airline sees stronger profitability in business seats and is rebalancing its long-haul configurations accordingly, a shift industry watchers say could reduce affordable long-haul options for price-conscious flyers.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will use new aircraft for their interisland flights in Hawaii, according to Travel Weekly. The move follows Alaska Air Group's takeover of Hawaiian, and signals how the combined carrier plans to modernize and integrate service between the islands. Travelers and industry watchers are watching what the fleet changes mean for frequencies, capacity and competition in the Hawaiian market.

Alaska Airlines has unveiled a sweeping redesign of its premium cabins as it moves to compete in the increasingly crowded market for high-end air travel. The overhaul signals the carrier's push to attract affluent flyers willing to pay more for upgraded seats and service. Details of the plan were reported by CNBC, drawing attention across the travel industry.

TFWA President Sarah Branquinho has delivered her first address at the Cannes duty-free and travel retail gathering, setting out her vision for the future of the industry. The speech comes as the global travel retail sector, a key revenue driver for airports, airlines and premium brands, continues to navigate changing passenger behaviour and a shifting retail landscape.

Alaska Airlines is expanding its premium travel offering with new long-haul cabin designs, part of a broader push upmarket as carriers compete for high-spending flyers. The cabins feature upgraded seating and amenities aimed at business and premium leisure travellers. The move follows industry-wide investment in premium products as airlines chase stronger margins on international routes.

Travel industry publication Skift reports that Europe has become the key testing ground for artificial intelligence in travel, because the continent's many languages, national rail and airline systems, and differing regulations make cross-border journeys the hardest case for AI trip planning and booking tools. If AI assistants can handle a multi-country European trip, the argument goes, they can work anywhere.

BermudAir is launching a seasonal route connecting Newark with South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The new service gives travellers from the New York area a direct option to the smaller, quieter Caicos island, which is less developed than Providenciales. Details on start dates and flight frequency have not been widely reported, but the announcement is drawing attention in the travel trade as Caribbean seasonal capacity expands for the coming season.

Alaska Airlines is adding a premium economy cabin and expanding business class seating as it works to narrow the gap with American, Delta and United. The move, reported by Skift, signals the carrier's ambition to compete more directly with the largest US airlines for higher-paying travelers. Industry observers are weighing whether the premium push can help Alaska close the experience and revenue gap with the Big 3.

Emirates has announced its new season of inflight entertainment, revealing the films, television shows and other content that will be available to passengers on its ice system. The airline regularly refreshes its lineup with new releases, and aviation industry publications have picked up the announcement. Details on specific titles and expanded features are being circulated among travellers and industry watchers.